Despite the facts, many men avoid getting their fertility checked. Maybe it’s because fertility is viewed as a woman’s issue. Maybe it’s because guys think if they can get an erection then fertility isn’t their problem.

Or maybe it’s a matter of pride.

For a guy to find out he’s infertile, it’s like getting sucker-punched or kicked in the you-know-where. Some guys associate infertility with poor performance in bed (though there’s no connection between the two), so it could be a blow to their ego.

On top of that, doctor office fertility tests for men aren’t convenient or comfortable.

The thought of going to a doctor and supplying a sample while the office bustles like a busy Starbucks just outside the door isn’t appealing.

So what’s a guy to do?

WHEN SHOULD MEN CHECK THEIR FERTILITY?

When a couple is struggling to get pregnant, it can be frustrating and stressful. The best thing to do is get to the bottom of the issue as soon as possible.

If a guy is under 35 years old and his partner has been unable to conceive for at least one year, he should have his fertility checked. If the man is over 35, he should check after six months.

What’s a male fertility test?

It’s a semen analysis to determine if a guy has enough healthy sperm. Male fertility requires men to produce an adequate number of functional sperm that can reach the female egg. An analysis examines the sperm motility, count, and shape.

The bad news is guys need to get tested. The good news is they can avoid the awkward doctor’s visit.

MEN CAN TEST THEIR SPERM AT HOME

Aside from the embarrassment of supplying a sample at a clinic, an in-office sperm analysis can be expensive, and many insurance plans don’t cover it.

SpermCheck is a convenient and cost-effective alternative to a semen analysis. It’s an over-the-counter test kit that allows men to check their sperm count at home. The test is reliable and gives results in 10 minutes.

A healthy sperm count is at least 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Though it’s only one factor in male fertility, it’s the first step in determining if a more comprehensive evaluation is needed.

If his test reveals a low sperm count, a man can then seek further testing from a specialist. If the count is normal, the couple and their doctor can eliminate count as an issue.

Infertility is a complex, emotional issue for couples, where both men and women play an almost equal role. Guys can eliminate a lot of questions and frustration by checking their sperm early on in the process. The good news is, they don’t have to do it with a doctor waiting in the next room.